The painting of kids in the creek has been a long term project and the first large scale canvas I have produced since leaving the classroom. With it are a series of preparatory works on paper from graphite sketches of the figures, and heads to small watercolor studies, compositional diagrams and oil paint studies. At each stage I was working toward being able to paint this scale and meet the demand for a dynamic composition while telling a story rich with research and practice. Rosecrucianism refers to the scenes location which was used as a retreat for members of the society of Rosecrucianism in the 1930's. Themes of equality, broad intellectual education, spiritual openess, and connection with nature are part of the narrative which the society espoused. The maternal figure on the right is a presence watching over the young students who are exploring their environment with cameras while interacting with each other and nature.
The painting of kids in the creek has been a long term project and the first large scale canvas I have produced since leaving the classroom. With it are a series of preparatory works on paper from graphite sketches of the figures, and heads to small watercolor studies, compositional diagrams and oil paint studies. At each stage I was working toward being able to paint this scale and meet the demand for a dynamic composition while telling a story rich with research and practice. Rosecrucianism refers to the scenes location which was used as a retreat for members of the society of Rosecrucianism in the 1930's. Themes of equality, broad intellectual education, spiritual openess, and connection with nature are part of the narrative which the society espoused. The maternal figure on the right is a presence watching over the young students who are exploring their environment with cameras while interacting with each other and nature.